The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a health alert over a global surge in Chikungunya virus cases.
Over 240,000 infections and 90 deaths have been reported in 16 countries this year, with China recording nearly 5,000 since July.
No cases have been confirmed in Nigeria in 2025, but the NCDC warns that flooding and environmental conditions in high-risk states could aid transmission.
The disease, spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during daylight hours, causes fever, severe joint pain, headaches, fatigue, and skin rash.
Nigerians are urged to prevent bites by using insecticide-treated nets, wearing protective clothing, applying repellents, and clearing stagnant water.
The agency says it is boosting mosquito surveillance, training health workers for early detection, and running nationwide awareness campaigns.
“With rising global cases and our environmental realities, vigilance is key,” the NCDC stressed, urging collective action to keep the virus out of Nigeria.
